Panel OKs bill to give lawmakers say on Medicaid

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A Senate panel has approved two measures that would require legislative approval before the state could expand Medicaid or operate a marketplace that sells insurance.

The bills passed 7-3 along party lines in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, which has a Republican majority. The proposals will now proceed to the Republican-controlled Senate for a full vote. But the bills are expected to die in the mostly Democratic House.

Medicaid expansion and insurance exchanges are two components of the federal Affordable Care Act, which Republicans here have criticized as too costly. Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, has already ordered the state to create an exchange. He hasn't decided on Medicaid expansion. Republican lawmakers say both actions deserve legislative consideration.

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The legislation is Senate Bill 39 and Senate Bill 40.

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